Question

At standard pressure, `CH_4` boils at 112 K and `H_2O` boils at 373 K. What accounts for the higher boiling point of `H_2O` at standard pressure?

Answer 1

Intermolecular force differentiates..........

Explanation:

Between water molecules, hydrogen bonding operates, which is a potent intermolecular force. The `H-O` bond is quite polar, i.e. `""^(delta+)H-O^(delta-)-H^(delta+)`, and the dipoles can align. No such intermolecular force operates between methane molecules, (because the `C-H` bond is reasonably non-polar), and the boiling point of methane is substantially reduced with respect to water.